National Board of Advisors

Ernest R. Sutton, Member, Leadership Development Committee; Trustee, Albemarle Hospital

Ernest R. Sutton is a trustee of Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, N.C.  He is a member of the Leadership Development Committee of AHA’s Committee on Governance and also is the administrator of Pasquotank Correctional Institution and senior superintendent in eastern North Carolina for the state's Division of Prisons. He earned his undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University, and professional certification in correctional administration from East Carolina University in Elizabeth City and professional certifications in correctional management from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. and correctional management, from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Correction, Boulder, CO

A native of Elizabeth City, NC, Mr. Sutton has been active in a number of national and local organizations. Mr. Sutton was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and served as Treasurer of the NC 12th District NAACP.  His past affiliations included membership in the North Carolina Cultural Alliance and the North Carolina Council on Alcoholism.  Mr. Sutton also served as Vice-Chair of the International Association of the Friends of Africa.

Sutton is the past Chairman of the Albemarle Hospital Authority Board of Commissioners, and Chairman of the Albemarle Hospital Executive Committee.  In addition, he was Chairman of the Personnel and Grievance Committee, Albemarle Hospital Board of Trustees. In 2000, he led the search process for a new hospital CEO and president for Albemarle.  Sutton also develops training programs for new and existing board members to help them better serve their community. Sutton has continued to serve on the board of Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, N.C. for more than 10 years.

Sutton is a leader in his community, serving on the boards of Pasquotank County/ Elizabeth City Human Relations Committee, a committee jointly appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and the city council in Elizabeth City.  Sutton also is an elder in his church and serves on its board of trustees.  In addition, Sutton is a member of the North Carolina Hospital Association.